GRADUATION DAY

Today, my daughter graduates from High school. I will pause today to attend and celebrate this wonderful achievement in her life. Friday, I will be off but will publish again Saturday.
I believe in you, because YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

IN ONE ACCORD

“When a Nation is divided it is a Nation searching for answers for change. When we are divided inside ourselves, we do the same thing.” Jeff Johnson June 2008

A while back, I had to do two debates on a subject picked from a list. Simple enough, but the two debates were on the same subject presenting both view points. I picked a topic that I really had strong emotions to both sides of the coin. Thinking I could resolve myself to a point of view that made sense more than another—I took on the challenge. After a lot of research, I did not change my opinion of believing both sides had good stances, but the split feeling inside still existed from having two viewpoints that contrasted each other.

Everyone has issues whereby we have contrasting or torn points of view. Many times our ideas do not have a resolution or we have multiple choices for behavior modification and all seem justified. Finding a peaceful state of tranquility intrinsically means we need to focus on those things we do not find disquieting. This is not a position to proverbially stick our head in the sand, but it seems those issues we have the most choices about dominate our time, emotions, and leaves little time for harmony time and focus. BE A FORWARD STEPPER by thinking more on those things that bring us joy, generate happy thoughts, and give moments of peace.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

HAPPY

"I have learned an important lesson from clowns--You can not mix happy faces with sad faces." Jeff Johnson June 2008

Is the word happy a stranger to us? Many times I fight it when things just do not align up right. No, I am not talking about the Age of Aquarius, but maybe my day slides off the straight and narrow just enough to dispel contentment. What is it that we need to say, ‘WOW, I am really happy?’ Pleasure? Being satisfied? I have a suggestion.

Real happiness comes from more sources than the written word can capture. Happiness—real happiness comes from inside us when we are content with ourselves. When this happens, things around us improve too. Life looks brighter and we are seeing the positive first, and then easily placing the negative in the background as noise.

Seek contentment in your soul, your inner being by telling yourself, I am at peace with who I am because I am doing my best. As I go along this day I am going to get better and better. My life may not be perfect now, but it is preparing me for a greater tomorrow. We should enjoy what is given to us now, savor what we have, and only want the most out of now versus what desires drive us.

You are a FORWARD STEPPER BY looking at today with all the love possible for what you have—and being content with it.

I believe in you because, YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

A QUEST FOR FULFILLMENT

"The life journey provides fulfillment, making choices for self improvement is fulfillment, seeing a new day, ending a week with successes, fulfillment looks like us all--naturally.” Jeff Johnson June 2008

What does it take to be fulfilled? This is a question felt inside all of us. We know it when we complete something, we can see the outcomes in our planning, and when our accomplishments are noticed. Making even small dreams a reality can bring fulfillment to our lives. Fulfillment can be accomplished when we set small goals and complete the task successfully. We can find fulfillment in developing realistic goals. Fulfillment is all around us.

Our lives are filled with various successes. Some of our successes are small, like getting up and starting our daily tasks, and some of our successes are larger—each is completed daily. Each day we should look to what we have done positive in our lives. Our lives are filled with opportunities presented and completed. Taking time out of our day—each day—to realize how many things we have done, how many opportunities we completed, and realize how fulfilled we are. You are a FORWARD STEPPER by appreciating how many good things were accomplished each day. Fulfillment is beautiful and necessary. Take time to measure it each day.

I believe in you because, YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

HEALING

“What do I need to be healed? Is it faith that I need to be healed? Do I just need to believe? Should I just ask GOD for healing? Maybe I need to ask first, and then believe I have sufficient faith.”

Jeff Johnson May 2008.

There are many accounts of miracles whereby Jesus explains how the healing occurred in some and not everyone. Although the miracles were available to everyone, not all who asked believed and not all had faith. The story of the Centurion found in Matthew 8: 5-13 tells the story of a powerful man asking if Jesus would heal his servant from paralysis and in great pain. Jesus was willing to go to the Centurion’s home, but the Centurion declared, “you can heal him from here and not go to my home.” Jesus did it and responded with, ^10”"I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” Then Jesus continues with, ¹³"Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour. This story, along with many more references point to the combination of faith and belief in the healing desired to make it possible.

Jesus explains it again simply in Matthew 21 ²¹Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you (1)have faith and (2) do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. ²²If (3) you believe, you will receive whatever you (4) ask for in prayer." I think this is in the proper order too. Jesus explains in Matthew 6: ⁸"Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Jesus is saying approach the healing without any doubt and believes it is done as if you would turn on a light switch.

As with most things, it is easier to understand it than to do it. Struggling with these four elements is very achievable, but will take work. We read in Mark 4, where Jesus was on the sea when a strong storm overtook the boat. The disciples woke Jesus and asked HIM if HE was going to allow them to drown. Jesus responded, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. ⁴⁰He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" ⁴¹They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" The disciples have witnessed many miracles, healings, and examples of Jesus gifts—yet they were worried about their boat sinking and drowning with Jesus on board. We all fail when we are facing storms—but Jesus is always there, protecting us, and knowing what we need in advance.

Learning how to build our faith, sustain our belief in miracle healing, and following those before us in healing is where we need to focus our attention. Jesus can heal today just like he did in the scriptures. I believe it. If you need healing, study the scripture, search your heart, and improve your FORWARD STEPS toward being healed.

I believe in you because,YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

CHILDRENS WORDS

“Children listen with their hearts, their skin through touch, through their ears by what they hear, and through their eyes by what they see. They learn life lessons the same way.”

Jeff Johnson May 2008

Recently, I received a memo from a friend. I want to share it with you—please pass it on to your friends. I am not the author and can not give credit since the authors are unknown. I hope it gives you an upbeat feeling as it did me.

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year olds,

“WHAT DOES LOVE MEAN?”

‘When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.’ Rebecca—age 8

‘When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.’ Billy—age 4

‘Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.’ Karl—age 5

‘Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French-fries without making them give you any of theirs.’ Chrissy—age 6

‘Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.’ Terri—age 4

‘Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.’ Danny—age 7

‘Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.’ Emily—age 8

‘Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.’ Bobby—age 7 (Wow)

‘If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.’ Nikla—age 6 (we need a few million more Nikla’s on this planet)

‘Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.’ Noelle—age 7

‘Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.’ Tommy—age 6

‘During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore.’ Cindy—age 8

‘My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.’ Clare—age 6

‘Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.’ Elaine—age 5

‘Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.’ Chris—age 7

‘Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.’ Mary Ann—age 4

‘Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn’t think it’s gross.’ Mark—age 6

‘I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all of her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.’ Lauren—age 4

‘When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.’ (What an image). Karen—age 7

‘You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.’ Jessica—age 8

A four year old child went next door to a neighbor, and elderly gentleman who just lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, ‘Nothing, I just helped him cry.’

Enjoy your children and your day.
I believe in you because, YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

EXCELLENCE

“Excellence is a continuous movement towards improvement. Take smaller steps to the top and realize excellent performances often. Everyone has excellence.”

Jeff Johnson May 2008.

In honor of MEMORIAL DAY Week, the motivational BLOGS will center on military core values affecting those who serve in our military.

Picking goals is good. Obtaining them is very good, but sometimes we pick ultimate goals out of sequence. Even though we provide a sustained effort towards our goal, perhaps we can look at the excellent effort in striving towards the goal. In many circumstances we may need to adjust our first goal, create a secondary goal, to reach our primary target. By allowing many small sustained successes we can realize just how excellent we are.

Creating excellence does not mean graduating first in a class, making everything perfect in an attempt, but developing a sustained and continuous improvement upward. This is accomplished by always striving to improve something, by respecting our accomplishments in the process and rewarding our efforts with proper recognition. If we offer mutual respect for our peers, then it should start from within and be passed outwardly to others as a symbol of our intrinsic feelings. We are never better or worse than anyone else, just in a different area of excellence building.

You are a FORWARD STEPPER by creating continuous growth and improvement small steps at a time. Continue to strive for the best possible outcomes and never give up.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

INTEGRITY

"Doing what is right when no one else can see is one value—thinking what is right where no one can enter is just as important. " Jeff Johnson May 2008.

In honor of MEMORIAL DAY Week, the motivational BLOGS will center on military core values affecting those who serve in our military.

Thinking out loud can sometimes be dangerous. Sometimes we want to say something either out loud or to someone, but we hesitate or stop because of personal reasons. But how many times do we think negative things about ourselves in places where no one else can share them. To have integrity, in the fullness of the true definition, the mental side of who we are is just as important as the external. A majority of out output is because of our input—mental. Respect of ourselves, thinking, I will do better, I am a good person, I owe myself a brighter more positive me!

Having a willingness to think more positively, to reach deep within ourselves when it is the darkest, this is integrity. The control of the “inner voice,” the moral compass saying, ‘I am looking for the better, the more positive approach, the “I can and will do it, portion of our lives is integrity.” We must hold ourselves accountable to our thoughts. When given a choice of approaching this positive or negatively our persuasion should lean to there is a top to this mountain and I am going to climb it. I will cross the hardest part today then head downhill to a better tomorrow. Life is not always this hard—our circumstances will allow change and my change will be on the brighter side.

You are a FORWARD STEPPER by taking a time-out and reflecting on the choices of each attitude and choosing the brighter side approach, thinking this is temporary, and very shortly my life will be better, I will improve beyond my circumstances, and I AM WORTH IT.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

DUTY

In honor of MEMORIAL DAY Week, the motivational BLOGS will center on military core values affecting those who serve in our military.

"To fulfill our duty is not only a service to our Country, but to us."
Jeff Johnson May 2008

Everyday is a new and bright day. We have choices to either make our start happy, positive, and productive, or to be sad, negative, and loose in our productivity. In our lives as human beings, looking upward sometimes can be challenging. Having a change of heart from negative to positive can take work. We have a duty to fulfill our obligations towards ourselves, to honor the changes of improvement accomplished yesterday and develop them more today.

A duty is a moral obligation to something; an obligatory task to conduct in whatever roles we occupy. If we are a student, we have chosen to serve in that capacity—we have a duty to keep our spirits high to be the best student in all capacities. If we are a parent, we have a duty to provide in many areas to children. We can look to a positive approach or a negative mind set to duties.

Look at the upward track—value the thought that things will be better, there is newness to the other side of the issues before us, and we can serve with a strong duty to be positive. This influence carries beyond today, above tomorrow, into generations to come. You are a FORWARD STEPPER by looking for another side that is more positive, for searching for the ‘new’ and improved method to sustain hope, and by always searching for good over bad in everything. Duty—it is a standard.

I believe in you because, YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

TO WARRIORS: MEMORIAL DAY

In Flanders Fields

By Moina Michael

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
t seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

This is a fictional story I have written in honor of MEMORIAL DAY WARRIORS. This story is written without gender references to HONOR both MEN AND WOMEN in service to our Country.

Since I was little I knew something was different about me. We would all play ‘Army’ and war games, drink Kool-Aid when we were finished and then go home. But for me the game did not end. It continued to play in my heart and my mind. I loved the game, I lived for the strategy, I felt the commitment to not only winning but to the feelings the game gave me.

As I became older, the feelings were deeper and commitment to team work, strength and conditioning, seemed very real to me. It was not about guns or war, but feelings toward giving, service, loyalty, and honor. I was developing intrinsically an inner source of strength. The love of GOD encompassed my thoughts and soul in a deep manner. When I saw the poster of Uncle Sam pointing his finger at me my calling was clear—I signed up.

Starting my career the words of loyalty, service, dedication, and GOD were all words that were familiar to me. Teamwork was something I adored and war games reflected past memories. One day an offer was made to volunteer for service on the front lines—my hand went up without hesitation—I WAS A WARRIOR and I knew it. This was my calling; this was my gift, GOD created me to be a WARRIOR. In life I could not be anything else—it was instinct.

For some reason, even though my friends and family did not understand the reasons, I was being exactly what I was designed to be. I was serving my Country, My GOD, honoring my commitments and dedication to my team—we were all WARRIORS. Something caused us to bond like no one ever explained to me before. I felt the cohesiveness of a warrior spirit—never wanting to be a hero, but just to serve the team, GOD, and Country first and foremost. I AM A WARRIOR at your service.

Honor those who serve us today.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

CHANGING DIRECTION

“If we change directions with our heart first, then our feet (lives) will follow.” Jeff Johnson May 2008

This BLOG, Monday – Friday is motivational; Sunday’s BLOG is inspirational. Enjoy & Share it.

In the first four books of the New Testament we read how JESUS called HIS disciples to service. In all accounts JESUS would walk up to them in the middle of their daily jobs and tasks and would gently say, “Come follow me.” By all accounts the disciples would drop everything, leaving their nets in the sea, stopping their work, and started following as directed. Many times I ask myself, ‘were the disciples looking for a new job when Jesus called? Were they bored with their lives and did not care what change was in store when the MASTER called? These questions are easy to answer when we look at changing directions instructions from the scriptures.

We learn in Matthew 4:23-25, that JESUS went around to many places teaching, healing diseases, and talking about how there was a NEW KINGDOM for them. Word spread quickly throughout the country. Everyone wanted to know more about JESUS, HIS message, and the miracles performed on people who believed. People wanted change in their lives, so they started SEEKING ways to change. The first step to changing directions is to SEEK. We are starting movement by seeking—no longer stagnate.

The second step to changing directions is to DEVELOP A DESIRE to follow a direction. 1 Corinthian 14:1 "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts." Having a DESIRE to SEEK the right things—LOVE and SPIRITUAL gifts gives meaning to the heart and direction to our search. SEEKERS will look in many directions which is the first step, desire is when our heart has found something to pursue, and this is when change begins.

The third step we will cover here is TRAINING our ears to follow the right things. John 10: 27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ⁴When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." The disciples knew the voice of the MASTER, maybe not from having attended HIS teachings, but from SEEKING and DESIRING to have JESUS in their hearts and lives. When the MASTER called verbally, their hearts already knew this was the way. Dropping everything was not an issue because their hearts already knew HIS voice—it was not a stranger to them. When we have “heartfelt” devotion, everything is secondary to the cause and purpose.

JESUS gives us the way to change our path and follow HIM in Matthew 22 ³⁶"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" ³⁷Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'^{[b] 38}This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.” Following the path to change begins with the heart through LOVE. The questions asked in the beginning are simple, the disciples were not bored, were not looking for a new job, they were loving themselves and wanted to share it. JESUS voice called their hearts first, then they followed when HE called again. SEEK, DESIRE, and LEARN HIS VOICE, because JESUS is calling YOU, for who you are now—let your heart guide you to the voice you already recognize---HIS.

I believe in you because, YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

NEW WINDOWS

“New” is supposed to be exciting, scary, tentative, and tried as much as possible. New is endless."

Jeff Johnson May 2008

This week we are sticking to show songs and classic tunes that ring in our heads, hearts, and spirits. Enjoy this BLOG.

"Open a new window, Open a new door, Travel a new highway, That's never been tried before; Before you find you're a dull fellow, Punching the same clock, Walking the same tight rope As everyone on the block. The fellow you ought to be is three dimensional, Soaking up life down to your toes, Whenever they say you're slightly unconventional, Just put your thumb up to your nose. And show 'em how to dance to a new rhythm." Mame, [1966] Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman.

Ever get caught in a rut, a routine whereby there is not a break in sight? I have enjoyed this season thus far. I can open my windows at home and there is a nice breeze mixed with sunshine. It is a drastic change from the first quarter of this year when that same breeze did not balance out with the sun—it caused my rooms to be cold and miserable. I kept my windows shut waiting patiently for now. Our lives are just like this—we need change, refreshment, and something bright and fresh in our lives.

Finding ruts in our life is O.K.—Staying in them is when we need direction and change. Many times the ruts are formed because the way we travel seems like it will always fill our needs. When this road does not produce exciting results it is time for change. All to often we travel the old roads longer than we perceive we should—we just do not make the changes quick enough. Lets break out and try some new roads.

I really like the verse from Mame which says, “Soaking up life down to your toes.” Be the new you today, start the new path this hour, feel the freedom of letting go as the new experiences take hold of our—well toes. Build sunshine inside each day by breaking the mold—dance to a new beat because you are a FORWARD STEPPER.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

PS I will be off Saturday. Please Read Sunday's BLOG: "Changing Directions."

SINGING IN THE …RAIN???

“Once a song gets stuck in your head it is hard to get it out. Put the song in your heart and it never leaves.” Jeff Johnson May 2008

“I'm singing in the rain; Just singing in the rain; What a glorious feelin'; I'm happy again; I'm laughing at clouds; So dark up above; The sun's in my heart…” Original Lyrics with Gene Kelly (1952). What a wonderful song with a beautiful verse. I can remember the dance steps, not that I could ever do them mind you, but what a dichotomy. Here is this good looking man, in the rain, dancing and singing. I am thinking no way is this real, but then I listened to the words—what a message. Let’s look at the message together.

The meaning is that “the sun,” is in our heart: The bright spirit, the joyous song, the happy tune bubbling from within. Once it starts bursting at the seams to get out then rain, sleet, snow, or ice will stop it from being expressed. A few rain drops will not stop this powerful feeling from being displayed.

Thinking of good feelings all day, everyday, as much as possible can bring a smile to our lives. Making each moment look brighter by laughing at the ‘clouds’ of our life as we understand they are passing by. Remember the last cloud that poured rain on your parade—where is it now? Gone!!! We will always have clouds in our life, we will face rain on the outside, but keep the sunshine on the inside and maybe dancing in “our rain” will be always possible.

You are a FORWARD STEPPER for thinking of the sunshine in your heart and letting it out while laughing at clouds.

I believe in you because, YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

WONDERFUL THINGS

"Julie Andrews sang it, we hummed it for weeks afterward, now, to do it again like Julie, HMMMMM, “These are a few of my favorite things.” When was the last time we remembered them?" Jeff Johnson May 2008

Julie Andrews sang the lyrics, “When the dog bites, when the bee stings,” etc. She had a remedy to think or do some of her favorite things to overcome the stress. This was her ‘go to’ plan to bring her back to—well what Julie did best—sing.

When we have problems, stressors, and just an irritation, what is our ‘go to’ plan? Many times the reaction without a plan leads to more problems. Making a list of things that have worked for us in the past can help bring us out of that ‘slump.’ Thinking of those things that make us happy can also influence our mood in a positive manner.

Today, I think of sunshine on my day off, Vanilla Ice Milk with fresh strawberries on top, peanuts at the Ball Park, and time in the water. These are a few of my favorite things—see—I am smiling already. YOU ARE A FORWARD STEPPER smiling with me.

Make your list today—think on it as much as possible. Enjoy!

I believe in you because, YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

LOKING FOR BEAUTY

“Sometimes we look for roses and miss all of the other pretty flowers. Life is full of many good things to enjoy that are behind the scenes.”

Jeff Johnson May 2008

Many times life allows us to see very nice things. Sometimes these things are in peoples lives, in events we attend, in comments given to us at ‘just the right time,’ and through watching growth in someone. So many times in my life I fail to see the little details in beauty.

How many times have I witnessed a sunrise or a sunset and marveled at the intense beauty. During these same events I missed the waking up of the night creatures and the sleeping of various flowers and animals? Many times I have witnessed the growth of people in spirit, mind, and body but missed the beauty of the sacrifice and support given by friends, family, and various organizations. Often there is beauty behind the scenes, providing strength, and offering nurture that has as much beauty as the big picture.

The big picture is easy to see, take time to look behind the scenes, consider other beautiful things allowing the big picture to be center stage. When we are FORWARD STEPPERS we look at the details seeing even more beauty. If the old saying is true that, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” then hold all we can in our eyes. Search for the small details, the story behind the story. There is more beauty to be enjoyed then just the obvious. Learning how to look closer at all of the details behind the scenes will allow the big picture to have even more intense beauty.

I believe in you because, YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

I KNOW YOU AND I STILL LOVE YOU.

“Remember the song, ‘Jesus loves me this I know….” We learned the song as children about Jesus love. It was more popular than the Gilligan’s Island theme song. Today we still remember both songs—which one do we believe most?” Jeff Johnson May 2008


In Luke 2:49, Jesus responds to HIS parents, "Why were you searching for me?" Do we ever ponder this question? Was there a valid reason for us to seek Jesus? There is a funny incident I witnessed years ago. I was in a field with another guy who was very strong. We were moving cows from one large field to another by just walking towards them and allowing them to roam away from us into the other field. Everything was progressing well when one cow just stopped. We walked up to the cow and pushed him with our hands and he remained staid. The strong guy got upset with the cow for not moving and grabbed this 1200 pound cow by the head and took him to the ground. While wrestling with him on the ground I asked him, “So now that you have him what are you going to do with him?” Answering the question of ‘what are we going to do with HIM now that we have HIM’ is a question we wrestle with for a variety of reasons. In linking back to the cow story—we wrestle with things when we deviate from the original plan because of a variety of reasons.

We seek Jesus and HIS gifts for our lives. We ask, “LORD, send me and I will go,” Give me oh LORD gifts that I may serve,” “thank you for the talents LORD and now allow me to use them for YOUR glory.” During our journey, sin, failures and short comings, life’s issues, wrestling with personal situations, and doubts in self worth to the kingdom allow us to cease or slow down in our service. James writes, ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ Those who doubt should not think they will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ they are double-minded and unstable in all they do.” (James 1). Jesus never leaves us, we alter our paths away from HIM. We have asked, prayed, and believed in a calling, a path, gifts to serve, and when we started on this journey problems seep in and now we develop doubts about our worthiness. James continues, ¹⁷ “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” We have searched for our gifts, found them, executed a life pattern within our gift set, and now we question our belief because of being tested. James 1:3 continues, “…because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Jesus does not hate us HE allows testing to make us stronger and more mature. JESUS LOVES US…. In Hebrews we learn, 12: 12” Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 "Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” Jesus wants us to be strong, to persevere, and to develop our gifts to serve better and more effectively in a variety of conditions.

Gilligan never got off of the island, but Jesus has never put us on an island of circumstances HE does not have a plan of escape designed for us. When we trust HE is in control, learn lessons from the circumstances, and allow growth, JESUS blesses and we serve more effectively. Look at present circumstances as being in school—taught and lead by JESUS.

I believe in you because, YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

REFLECTIONS

“When we look in the mirror is it fair to say, “Mirror Mirror on the wall who should I say is calling? How many times have I walked away from this question or not answered it completely?”

Jeff Johnson May 2008

This is a reflection BLOG. I may do these from time to time to help me think, evaluate, and motivate myself to a new level. Reflection times in my life have been very helpful, stimulating, and have played a key role in motivating me into a new direction or attitude. I also call it mental hygiene.

Several times a year, I take a look at my life and ponder changes that should be made and changes that are in a certain stage of process. Today I am at one of these crossroads. Some of the ponderings relate to health questions: Losing weight, a battle I love to fight, win, and lose again if you know what I mean. How is my physical shape, am I working out enough, missing to much, getting the results I want, and do I need more realistic goals? How about my time with family, friends, my brother, and GOD, are my priorities in order, need adjusting, or are they just absent from my reality now? Last but not least, what improvements are necessary for my occupation, continuing education, and position in life?

This is a time to take a look at my happiness scale. What things do I have in my life that makes me very happy? I must take an inventory—check it twice, and arrange those at the top of my list with priority time—reducing the other times. I can see clearly some changes need to be made here. How much relaxation time do I have in this complicated life I lead---is it ever enough? Do I need more or just change the effective utilization of my time? How much time have I spent on thanking those who have assisted me, those who have encouraged me, and have “watched my back,” do they all feel appreciated?

Mirror Mirror on the wall, do you have any suggestions for who I am—???
This is how I remain a FORWARD STEPPER---by reflecting towards growth. Walk with me here—enjoy the reflection.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

PS. Read Sundays BLOG, “I KNOW YOU AND I STILL LOVE YOU.”